Title: Understanding Central Valley Chinook Salmon and Steelhead
Abstract: Chinook salmon and steelhead are important biological components of the Central Valley ecosystem.The adults spawn in many streams, the young may spend a few to several months in these streams and in the San Francisco Estuary on their way to the ocean.When the adults return to their natal streams they transfer some of the ocean derived nutrients, organic matter, and energy to the lotic foodweb.Chinook salmon and steelhead together form the basis of economically important commercial and recreational fisheries -both in the ocean and inland waters.Chinook salmon and steelhead also are important because they are part of the historic culture in the Central Valley and qualify as "charismatic macrofauna" with which the public can readily identify.This identification is demonstrated by the Feather River and American River salmon festivals that annually attract thousands of adults and children.